New Boat Advise Needed

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dennis23685

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Dec 3, 2007
14
Catalina 250 venice, fl
Hi All,
I need advise from all you experienced sailors. Here's my issue.
I am currently lake sailing an O'Day Daysailer II in Colorado and will be retiring in 6 months to Dana Point, Ca. I have decided that the optimum size boat for me is a 26' - 28'. I do not race, not interested in extended trips, and not really into extremes. Am interested in coastal sailing, trips to Catalina, etc. Lots of time will be spent solo. I have sailed the area in rented 24's. Really need some advise regarding what to shop for. Looking to spend in the $15K-$20K range. I know there is help out there.
Thanks
Dennis
 
J

JIM B

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Jun 27, 2006
107
Catalina 30 MKII ROOSEVELT AZ
Try Yachtworld.com

Search Yachtworld.com And Plug In Your Criteria For California Boats. The Cape Dory 28, Catalina 27 Etc... Are Great Boats. Good Luck And Have Fun Shopping. Both Dana Point And Catalina Are Great.
 
Pops

Pops

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Apr 11, 2004
154
- - Albemarle Sound
Re: Try Yachtworld.com

Here's the boat for you, http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/11388 I have one very similar (mine is a 1980 also, although it has some differences) and I love it. This boat seems to have been well loved and has a lot of nice features (roller furling, bow roller, huge berth in salon, tricked out faucet in head, grab bar at nav station, overhead hand holds, and etc).
 
newly anonymous

newly anonymous

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Sep 24, 1999
1,511
Hunter H46LE Sausalito
a great california boat in that 27-foot range...

...would be the Ericson 27. you could pick up nice one in that price range.
 
sailingdog

sailingdog

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Oct 22, 2008
3,502
- Telstar 28 Buzzards Bay
Here are some other, less conventional choices:

Contessa 26, Southern Cross 28, Pearson Triton, Cape Dory 28,
 
B

Benny

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Sep 27, 2008
1,149
Hunter 320 Tampa, FL
Not to second guess you, but you have decided that the optimum boat for you is a 26'-28' yet you are asking for advice on what to shop. With the information provided I can only recommend a fixed keel boat with a diesel inboard engine that has a roller furling headsail and all lines leading aft. I don't know how tall you are but that fact would be important in choosing a boat with adequate cabin height and length of the berth. Your mechanical ability would be important in determining wether you can deal with an older vessel or require a newer one. When looking at $$$ newer and smaller usually go together with larger and older at the others side of the spectrum. It will also be important to to define your minimum desired level of comfort. Refrigeration vs ice cooler? Full stove with oven or just cooktop? Shower in cabin or portable shower on deeck? Large berth or just adequate? Toilet with holding tank or porta-potty? Are you a power hog or minimalist? The battery and charging system would have to be sized accordingly.

I guess what I mean to say is that you should prepare a list of your requirements for a boat and the start looking for and among those boats that meet the requirements. You may categorize the requirements into "must have" and "would like".

You do not indicate your reasons for choosing boats between 26'and 28' but I would suggest you expand your range to 30'. That would bring into play a huge number of boats that were manufactured in that size. Yes the bigger the boat the larger the costs; that is a reality and is something that needs to be considered. On the other hand if you are considering ease of handling I can tell you that most 30' boats are easier to handle or not any more difficult than your average 26'. The larger boat carries more displacement, usually reacts slower and is more forgiving than the smaller. The ability to handle heavier wind gusts and larger seas makes it less work for the solo sailor. Manuevering in close quarters is pretty similar for both boat sizes. In that range you can adjust to boat sizes real quick.
 
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